Prudence Angelita A. Kasala

Hometown:

Class Year:

Prior Education:

What I Did Before Law School:

After passing the Philippine bar, I worked with Punongbayan and Araullo, then affiliated with Ernst and Young, on Tax Consultancy and then with Quisumbing Torres, affiliated with Baker Mckenzie, with the Banking Finance and Tax Practice. I am currently with the Philippine Central Bank as counsel for the Office of the Deputy Governor, Supervision and Examination Sector and member of the UST Faculty of Civil Law.

Why I Chose Penn Law:

I chose Penn Law for its record and reputation of being a well-rounded law school. I particularly liked the inter-disciplinary approach in teaching law. Industries have regarded the legal profession as merely a support service. The inter-disciplinary approach integrates the study of law and makes law more responsive to the industry it serves. Penn Law offers a number of extra-curricular activities available to everyone.

My Best Experience at Penn Law:

I find the free flow of ideas in the academic environment very stimulating not only between the professors and students but even among students. I appreciate that the study of law is not fixed on the mere provisions of the law or the cases but the rationale and reason underlying these statutes and jurisprudence. Penn Law also offered a series of lectures to apprise students about significant economic developments (Wall Street crisis) and its impact on the practice of law. It is wonderful to be in the center of all these discussions at a momentous period of US history (Wall Street crisis, election of the first black president…) Moreover, the professors and administrative personnel are always most helpful to students.

Professor Who Influenced Me Most:

Perhaps Professor Friedrich Kubler who taught International Finance. He involves the whole class in discussion of the subject matter by soliciting the individual experience of students. Considering the diversity of the class (most of the students are LLM), this is a valuable opportunity to learn about other country’s experience and perspective.

My Favorite Course:

Analytical Methods by David Abrams introduces a lot of concepts law students and even practitioners gloss over. He gives us exercises to ensure that we know the practical application of the concepts. While I may have had some difficulty absorbing the subject matter, I find the course very practical and useful.

My Favorite Philadelphia Moment:

Running or walking around the University campus or trail along Schuylkill River.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

Being part of Penn Law.

My Extra-Curricular Activities at Pennlaw:

Getting used to living and doing everything by myself; exploring the city; meeting new friends

My Favorite Place or Activity on the University Campus:

Place: Lippincott Library - looking out to the tree-covered walk in the University campus - provides a serene place for reflection
Activity: Having sushi with friends at Houston Hall Market